And in a town in mississippi, there are other americans digging through the remains of their homes. A powerful tornado tore straight through town. Abc's steve osunsami is there. Reporter: In hattiesburg, mississippi, they couldn't believe their eyes. Seeing this giant tornado, nearly a mile wide, rolling up the street. There huge stuff falling out of the sky. Reporter: Brave residents and even braver photographers risked their lives getting these amazing pictures. Look closely and see the power again, tearing through electrical transformers and lighting up the sky. People's lives being destroyed right now. Reporter: Two of those lives were johnny and johnice dupree. He's the city's mayor and is alive today because he hid in a closet. You know, I think god is testing us. Reporter: Across the street, the pittman brothers have no insurance and will lose the home that's been in their family for generations. So, your dad's ashes were -- they were in the front living room. Reporter: Did he die recently? Yes sir, about two months ago. Reporter: Mbe he was watching over you guys. Maybe so. He had to be, I know somebody was. Reporter: And there's still more severe weather on the way. Potentially heavy snow and bitter cold for much of the east by the week's end. Steve osunsami, abc news, hattiesburg, mississippi.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

Mississippi Tornados: State of Emergency

Tornados struck across the south, one hitting Hattiesburg at dinner time.

Tornado Hits Adairsville, Ga.

Powerful tornado tears a path through Georgia town.

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